The new westbound overpass and eastbound on- and off-ramps are scheduled to open to drivers at 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16.

But before the new interchange opens, drivers will need to plan for a one night closure of eastbound US 2 and a 10-day closure of Bickford Avenue. During the closure of Bickford Avenue, drivers should expect increased congestion and delays on the State Route 9 ramps at US 2, and 56th Street Southeast/John Jump Road. Following the 10-day closure of Bickford Avenue, the new westbound overpass and ramps will open to drivers.

Closure details:

Thursday, Sept. 5 – Eastbound US 2 will close between 20th Street Southeast/State Route 204 and SR 9 at 10 p.m. The highway will reopen at 5 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6. During the closure drivers can choose alternate routes around the closure or follow a signed detour. The detour will add 10 to 15 minutes to most trips.

Friday, Sept. 6 – Bickford Avenue will close in both directions between US 2 and 83rd Avenue Southeast at 10 p.m. The eastbound US 2 right turn lane to Bickford Avenue will close at 8 p.m. Bickford will reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16.

The 10-day closure of Bickford Avenue is needed to connect the eastbound ramps and Bickford to the new overpass. The current entrance to US 2 will be permanently blocked.

“This is a true milestone for this project,” said project engineer Mark Sawyer. “Over the past year, drivers on US 2 have watched the new overpass and ramps take shape and they’re all finally coming together. The new interchange is going to be much safer for drivers.”

The new overpass will allow drivers on Bickford Avenue to cross over US 2 and then merge into westbound traffic from a new right-hand on-ramp, reducing the risk of serious collisions. Drivers planning to travel eastbound will no longer need to come to a complete stop on Bickford Avenue and then turn right to merge into fast-moving traffic. The improved interchange also features a new, longer eastbound exit to Bickford Avenue, improved lighting and drainage system.